The Photo That Revealed His Double Life

Today was my little darlings fifth birthday. My husband, who usually buried himself in work, had, for once, agreed to take our first family photo. I was so excited I woke up early, scrambling to book the citys most exclusive photography studio. But as the appointment time drew near, there was no sign of my husband or son.

I waited at the studio until closing time, and then my husbands message finally arrived. He casually mentioned that his company had organized an end-of-year trip, and hed already left with our son. Right after, my son sent a voice message, his tiny voice saying the trip was super fun and hed take pictures with me when he got back. I smiled at the screen, sent a Sounds good! back.

Then, with a flick of my finger, I messaged the chairman of my husbands company: Your company organized a trip? Why wasnt I, your biggest shareholder, informed?

1.

A voice call came through immediately, laced with bewilderment:

What trip? Are you still half-asleep? End of the year is crunch time for sales, everyones running themselves ragged. Theres no way Id arrange a trip. Everyone in the company is working overtime, except for your husband, who took annual leave.

My best friend, Quinn, her voice crackled through the receiver. I tightened my grip on the phone.

I understand.

Wait, no, whats going on?

Quinn heard the shift in my tone and pressed anxiously. I pressed my lips together, looking at myself in the mirror C impeccably dressed in a haute couture gown, hair perfectly styled, yet utterly alone. I felt like a joke.

Come pick me up. I gave her the address.

Alright, five minutes.

I hung up, still frozen at the vanity. The studio staff had already begun packing up their equipment, ready to close. I could feel the shift in the air; the staff, who had initially eyed my extravagant private booking with envy, now looked at me with blatant pity. Amidst their hushed whispers, I vaguely caught phrases like stood up, poor thing, and whats money good for anyway?

Just then, the studio manager approached, carrying a thick photo album.

Maam, please dont be too upset. Perhaps your husband had an urgent, unexpected matter. The manager gently pushed the album towards me. Although today didnt work out, you can take a look at our sample prints. This is our collection of family portraits; you can choose a style for next time, and when you bring your husband and son, we can start shooting right away.

I felt dispirited, but out of politeness, I casually opened the first page. The moment I did, my entire body froze.

Staring back at me, proudly displayed on the title page as a studio showpiece, was a huge family portrait. The background was warm and luxurious. A man in a crisp suit smiled gently; a woman in an elegant gown stood beside him. In the middle, a little boy in a miniature suit, eyes curved into crescent moons, held a bouquet of daisies.

That was my five-year-old son.

That was my husband, the man I shared a bed with.

And that woman

The manager, seeing my stunned expression, thought I was amazed by the photos quality. She immediately launched into a gushing explanation, a hint of pride in her voice:

Maam, you have excellent taste, choosing this one right away. This family is our studios model family, and theyre long-time clients.

The gentleman in the photo is the general manager of a listed company, earning millions a year. Hes handsome and charismatic. The lady next to him is also impressive, famously doting on her husband and child.

This family of three, theyve been coming to us for family portraits every year since the child was a month old. Look at this little boy, hes incredibly photogenic, loves having his picture taken, and is always so happy every time he comes. The entire staff loves to play with him.

Oh, by the way, they booked the Grand Hall at the Grand Estate Hotel for a birthday party today. Our studio photographer was even invited to follow and document it.

Every word from the manager felt like a knife, slicing into my heart, one by one. Years ago, for my husband Liams dream, I had willingly stepped back. Fearing hed be bullied, I secretly got him into Quinns company, continuously investing anonymously to make him an undeniable top performer, earning him the General Manager position.

Immediately, my mind flashed back to every time Id tried to take photos of my son. He would always frown, either hiding behind his father or outright covering his face with his hands, yelling:

Go away, Mom! I hate photos!

Back then, Liam always protected him, scoffing at me:

If the kid doesnt like it, just drop it. Dont force him; your photography skills arent that great anyway.

But now, looking at my son smiling in that photo, I suddenly felt a chill run through me, a bitter coldness deep in my heart. He didnt hate photos; he just hated taking photos with me.

My gaze slowly shifted to the woman in the picture. At first glance, she looked familiar. Now, on closer inspection, wasnt this Seraphina Song, the impoverished college student I had sponsored for four full years? I had seen her diligence and hard work, not only paying for her entire university education, but when she graduated and struggled to find work, it was I who used my connections to get her a job at a well-regarded state-owned enterprise known for its excellent benefits. I never imagined that the bright student I had sponsored would end up not only in the company I arranged for her, but also in my home.

The manager was still chattering away:

Maam? Maam, what do you think of this style? If you like it, next time

Just then, the roar of a sports car came from the doorway. Followed by hurried footsteps: Chloe!

Quinn burst in, a whirlwind of energy. She spotted me instantly, unable to resist a playful tease:

Whoa! This look, youre stunning! Anyone would think youre walking the red carpet.

She surveyed the empty studio, puzzled.

Why are you alone? Where are Liam and Leo? Didnt you say you were taking family photos? Are you done?

I closed the album. This was utterly humiliating.

Whats wrong, Chloe? You look awful. Quinn dropped her playful demeanor, looking at me with concern.

I looked at her and gave a short, bitter laugh:

To the Grand Estate Hotel. I hear my sons having a birthday party today.

2.

Quinn paused for a moment, then floored the accelerator, driving us straight to the Grand Estate Hotel. The Grand Estate Hotel was not only the most luxurious hotel in the city but also an establishment owned by Quinn herself.

Standing at the entrance of the banquet hall, a massive welcome poster greeted my eyes. On the poster was that family portrait: Liam had Seraphina in his arms, our son perched on Seraphinas shoulders, and the title read:

[Our Beloved Son Leos Sixth Birthday Bash].

Sixth birthday? I froze. Wasnt Leo five?

Quinns face turned stormy. As the big boss of this hotel, she was about to explode, but I held her back.

I pushed open the banquet hall doors, and the clamor inside instantly ceased. Hundreds of eyes turned in unison towards the entrance. Most of them were employees of Liams company; I didnt show up often, but I had delivered food to the company a few times, so some recognized me.

Oh, isnt that the freeloading wife of Manager Smith?

Someone in the crowd scoffed, and then whispers swelled like a tide.

What bad luck, whats she doing here on such a joyous day?

I heard shes worse than the nanny at home, just washing and cooking all day, completely dependent on Manager Smith. Truly a disgrace to women.

Look at her, dressed to the nines. I bet that gown was bought with Mr. Smiths credit card.

Liam was standing center stage, cutting the cake, a long knife in his hand. Seraphinas hand rested intimately on his. They looked utterly coupled. Seeing me enter, Liam showed no trace of guilt, instead frowning.

Chloe Johnson, what are you doing here? Didnt I tell you to stay home? Dont come here to embarrass me!

He didnt even bother to step down from the stage, reprimanding me from above. I walked towards the stage, step by step.

Embarrass you?

I pointed at the large number on the poster, my voice hoarse. Liam, is Leo five this year, or six?

Liams eyes flickered, then he became even more self-righteous.

Whats the difference between five and six?

At that moment, Seraphina walked out, smiling. She wore a perfectly tailored haute couture gown, exuding the air of a successful professional. Holding a glass of champagne, she looked at me with an expression that was seemingly polite but truly mocking.

Since youre here, find a corner and grab something to eat. Today is Leos birthday party, hosted by Liam and me, and its also a gathering to celebrate my promotion. Dont spoil everyones fun.

Go away!

Suddenly, a small figure darted out and pushed me hard. It was my son, the one I had doted on for five years. He wore a prince-like suit but glared at me as if I were his enemy.

I wont let you bully Mommy Seraphina! Mommy Seraphina said youre a useless good-for-nothing, you only drag Daddy down!

In that moment, my heart shattered into a million pieces. I stared in disbelief at the son I had hand-fed, the one I had stayed up all night watching when he had a fever.

Leo, Im your mom

No, youre not!

Leo hugged Seraphinas leg, proudly lifting his chin.

Mommy Seraphina is my mom! She earns lots of money and can buy me lots of things. Mommy Seraphina said I have excellent blood, just like her, not a good-for-nothing like you!

The entire hall erupted in gasps, then quickly dissolved into roaring laughter.

Looks like someones a step-mom!

Hahahaha, raising someone elses kid for five years, what an incredible cuckold.

No wonder Mr. Smith doesnt like her. That kind of waste deserves to be a pawn.

Those employees who usually respectfully called me maam were now, eager to flatter Seraphina and Liam, speaking with increasingly cruel words.

Six years ago, I sponsored Seraphina through her senior year of college. Liam and I met around that time; he tearfully recounted how hed been unlucky in love and wanted to settle down with a stable person. It turned out that from beginning to end, this was a scheme to find a free meal ticket for Seraphinas child.

Liam. I took a deep breath, suppressing the hatred about to erupt in my chest.

So, for these five years, youve been acting?

Quinn finally lost it. She rushed forward, pointing at the executives.

You blind idiots! Open your damn eyes and see who I am! And Chloe Johnson, standing right in front of you, is your companys biggest

Security!

Liam impatiently cut Quinn off, casting a cold glance at us.

Get these two disruptive lunatics out of here. Especially the one next to Chloe Johnson, dressed like a lowlife thug. She must be some poor relative of this good-for-nothing, right?

Eager to impress, the employees didnt even wait for security. Several tall managers rolled up their sleeves and surrounded us, sinister smiles plastered on their faces.

3.

Who dares touch me!

Quinn roared, enraged. She usually presided at the group headquarters, rarely inspecting this branch office. Plus, dressed casually today, these people truly didnt recognize the legendary Chairman.

Is that woman crazy? Who dares touch her?

A department manager sneered. To curry favor with Seraphina, she was the first to rush forward and shove Quinn.

Who are you anyway? Dont you know Mr. Smith is the General Manager here? Getting rid of you is as easy as squashing an ant!

Seraphina stood on the stage, holding her son, arm around Liam, watching us being encircled as if it were a play, a smirk playing on her lips.

Everyone, whoever cleans out these two pieces of trash today, so they no longer dirty mine and Liams eyes, will have their year-end bonus doubled next year.

Generous rewards always spurred bravery. The pushing and shoving crowd instantly turned violent. Someone kicked Quinn hard in the knee, sending her stumbling to the ground. I rushed to help her, but a heavy punch to my back made my vision go black.

Chloe Johnson, do you really think youre someone important?

I spat out a mouthful of blood, looking up at Liam.

Can you really afford the consequences of marital infidelity and marriage fraud?

Liam walked off the stage and stopped in front of me, looking down at me on the floor with eyes full of disgust and contempt.

Since were speaking so plainly, I wont hide it from you anymore.

He pulled a marriage certificate from his bag and threw it directly in my face. It bore the names Liam Smith and Seraphina Song, and the registration date was a year earlier than mine.

I shot my head up, my pupils contracting violently.

No need to look, the marriage certificate we got back then was fake.

Liam sneered. Back then, Seraphina had just graduated, her family was poor, and she didnt have a stable job. She couldnt give the child a good life. We had to find an honest person to take care of things, right?

Youre an orphan with no parents, the easiest to control. I originally planned to dump you after you raised the kid. I just didnt expect you to be so ungrateful, causing trouble at a time like this.

Fake. I mumbled, feeling as though my insides were twisting in agony. So, these five years of days and nights, these five years of devoted effort, even the legal recognition, were all a deception!

This marriage doesnt even need a divorce, because it never existed.

Seraphina walked over, stepping on the back of my hand and grinding her heel down hard.

Senior, thank you for your sponsorship back then, and thank you for helping me raise my husband and child for these past five years. Now that Im successful, its time for a good-for-nothing like you to make your exit.

I endured the excruciating pain, trying to get up, but she kicked me in the chest again. Quinn, trying to shield me, was savagely struck on the head with a wine bottle, blood instantly gushing down her face. Quinn was almost incoherent, still desperately trying to protect me. You youll regret this

Regret?

The manager who had struck her spat on her. The surrounding people laughed.

Hit them! Hit them until theyre dead! Mr. Smith will take responsibility for anything that happens!

Quinn and I huddled on the ground, taking countless kicks. My vision was already blurring, and the smell of blood filled my nostrils. Liam watched it all coldly, then turned and covered his sons eyes.

Leo, dont look, its dirty.

Just as that manager raised a solid wooden chair, preparing to smash it onto my head.

Bang!

The banquet hall doors were violently forced open from the outside. Immediately after, a team of bodyguards rushed in. Before anyone could react, a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses and a refined aura stumbled in. When he saw Quinn, battered and bloody in the pool of her own blood, his entire body froze.

Chairman?!

He then looked up and saw me, also bruised and bloody, his face turning ashen.

Miss Johnson